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lobo

/LOH-boh/

wolf

A gray wolf standing majestically in a snowy forest clearing, looking alert.

The primary meaning of lobo is the wild canine animal, the wolf.

lobo(noun)

mA2

wolf

?

the wild canine animal

📝 In Action

El lobo aúlla a la luna llena en el bosque.

A2

The wolf howls at the full moon in the forest.

Mi hijo leyó un cuento sobre un lobo feroz.

B1

My son read a story about a fierce wolf.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • can (dog (poetic))

Common Collocations

  • manada de lobos – pack of wolves
  • lobo gris – gray wolf

Idioms & Expressions

  • lobo de mar – an experienced sailor or old hand

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Plural

Since 'lobo' ends in -o, it is masculine. To talk about a female wolf, you change it to 'loba'. The plural is formed by adding -s: 'lobos'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Pronunciation Tip

Remember that the 'b' sound in 'lobo' is often softer than an English 'B'—it sounds more like a blend between a V and a B when spoken quickly.

A man in a business suit with a sly and greedy expression, featuring subtle wolf-like ears and sharp teeth, holding a large sack overflowing with money.

Lobo can also be used metaphorically to describe a predatory, greedy, or exploitative person.

lobo(noun)

mB2

predatory person

?

a greedy, exploitative, or dangerous man

Also:

wolf

?

figurative use, e.g., a financial wolf

📝 In Action

Ese político es un lobo, solo busca el beneficio propio.

B2

That politician is a wolf; he only looks out for his own benefit.

No confíes en él, es un lobo con piel de cordero.

C1

Don't trust him, he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • depredador (predator)
  • avaricioso (greedy person)

Idioms & Expressions

  • verle las orejas al lobo – to recognize imminent danger
  • meter al lobo en el gallinero – to put someone dangerous in charge of something vulnerable

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'lobo' highlights negative qualities like greed, aggression, or hidden danger, similar to how 'shark' is used in English for a ruthless businessperson.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Caution

This usage is a strong criticism. Use it carefully, as it implies the person is fundamentally bad or dangerous.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: lobo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'lobo' in its figurative, critical sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

loba(female wolf) - noun
lobato(wolf cub) - noun
lobuno(wolfish, wolf-like) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'lobo' y 'perro' (dog)?

While both are canines, 'lobo' refers specifically to the wild wolf. 'Perro' refers to the domesticated dog. In Spanish, you would never call your pet dog a 'lobo'.

If I want to talk about a female wolf, what word do I use?

You must use the feminine form, 'la loba'. Spanish nouns usually follow this pattern when referring to male and female animals.